zangoose #335
Type Matchups
Weak to (2x damage):
Immune to (0x damage):
zangoose
Generation III · #0335 — Cat Ferret Pokémon
Zangoose, the Cat Ferret Pokémon, is a Normal-type Pokémon that first appeared in Generation III with National Pokédex number 335. Standing at 1.3 meters tall and weighing 40.3 kilograms, Zangoose cuts an impressive figure as a nimble yet powerful combatant. Despite its relatively modest base stat total of 458, this Pokémon has carved out a memorable niche in the franchise, primarily due to its legendary animosity with Seviper—a rivalry so fundamental to its identity that every Pokédex entry across multiple generations references this eternal feud. Zangoose is not known to evolve into or from any other Pokémon, making it a standalone species that has maintained the same design and capabilities since its debut over two decades ago.
Base Stats
Height
1.3m
Weight
40.3kg
Category
Cat Ferret Pokémon
Gender
Male 50% / Female 50%
Color
white
Shape
upright
Habitat
grassland
Abilities
Prevents poison.
Increases Attack to 1.5× when poisoned.
Zangoose Biology & Physical Characteristics
Zangoose is a bipedal Pokémon that bears a striking resemblance to a cross between a mongoose and a domestic cat, combining features of both animals into a distinctive design. Its body is predominantly white, with deep crimson, scar-like markings adorning its face, chest, and forepaws—battle scars earned from countless generational conflicts with Seviper. The Pokémon possesses two long, black claws on each foreleg that curl underneath when not in use, serving as its primary weapons in combat. Its hind feet feature distinctive pink paw pads, while its head is characterized by pink eyes, elongated ears, and a small red nose. When Zangoose opens its mouth, two sharp fangs visible on its upper jaw hint at its carnivorous nature and combat prowess. Despite being classified as a bipedal species, Zangoose typically prowls on all fours in its natural state, only rising to its hind legs when provoked or engaged in battle. Small tufts of white fur adorn its shoulders, and a notably large, fluffy tail extends from its posterior. One of Zangoose's most remarkable physiological features is its fur's ability to stand completely on end whenever it detects the presence of Seviper—even from a distance. This involuntary response is so pronounced that it can serve as an early warning system for the Pokémon's arch-nemesis. Additionally, Zangoose possesses a remarkably strong immune system and notable resistance to venom, biological adaptations that have evolved through countless encounters with the poison-type Seviper.
Pokedex Numbers
Training
Breeding
Zangoose Breeding, Gender Ratio & Egg Groups
Zangoose has an equal gender distribution of 50% male and 50% female, meaning trainers have an equal probability of encountering either gender in the wild or through breeding. The species belongs to the Field egg group, which it shares with many other mammalian-like Pokémon, allowing for diverse breeding combinations when paired with compatible partners. A Zangoose egg requires 20 cycles to hatch, translating to approximately 4,884 to 5,140 steps, making it a moderate egg when compared to other Pokémon. The base friendship value is set at 70, indicating that newly caught or hatched Zangoose are reasonably well-disposed toward their trainers from the beginning, though not exceptionally so. This moderate starting friendship means that trainers will need to invest some effort in bonding activities to maximize Zangoose's affection and unlock potential move tutoring benefits.
Held Items
Sprites
Held Items
quick-claw
held-items
Held: Holder has a 3/16 (18.75%) chance to move first.
Cost: 4000
quick-claw
held-items
Held: Holder has a 3/16 (18.75%) chance to move first.
Cost: 4000
quick-claw
held-items
Held: Holder has a 3/16 (18.75%) chance to move first.
Cost: 4000
quick-claw
held-items
Held: Holder has a 3/16 (18.75%) chance to move first.
Cost: 4000
quick-claw
held-items
Held: Holder has a 3/16 (18.75%) chance to move first.
Cost: 4000
quick-claw
held-items
Held: Holder has a 3/16 (18.75%) chance to move first.
Cost: 4000
quick-claw
held-items
Held: Holder has a 3/16 (18.75%) chance to move first.
Cost: 4000
quick-claw
held-items
Held: Holder has a 3/16 (18.75%) chance to move first.
Cost: 4000
quick-claw
held-items
Held: Holder has a 3/16 (18.75%) chance to move first.
Cost: 4000
quick-claw
held-items
Held: Holder has a 3/16 (18.75%) chance to move first.
Cost: 4000
quick-claw
held-items
Held: Holder has a 3/16 (18.75%) chance to move first.
Cost: 4000
quick-claw
held-items
Held: Holder has a 3/16 (18.75%) chance to move first.
Cost: 4000
quick-claw
held-items
Held: Holder has a 3/16 (18.75%) chance to move first.
Cost: 4000
quick-claw
held-items
Held: Holder has a 3/16 (18.75%) chance to move first.
Cost: 4000
quick-claw
held-items
Held: Holder has a 3/16 (18.75%) chance to move first.
Cost: 4000
quick-claw
held-items
Held: Holder has a 3/16 (18.75%) chance to move first.
Cost: 4000
quick-claw
held-items
Held: Holder has a 3/16 (18.75%) chance to move first.
Cost: 4000
TMs & HMs
tm00
sword shield
tm01
yellow
tm01
gold silver
tm01
crystal
tm01
red blue
tm01
platinum
tm01
emerald
tm01
diamond pearl
tm01
firered leafgreen
tm01
ruby sapphire
tm01
xd
tm01
colosseum
tm01
heartgold soulsilver
tm01
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm01
blue japan
tm02
yellow
tm02
red blue
tm01
red green japan
tm01
sword shield
tm02
crystal
+906 more TMs/HMs
Zangoose Evolution, Mega Evolution & Special Forms
Zangoose is a Pokémon that does not evolve into or from any other species, remaining in its Cat Ferret form throughout its entire life. Unlike many Pokémon introduced in Generation III, Zangoose has no evolutionary line—neither does it have a pre-evolution form like Mankey-to-Primeape, nor does it develop into a more powerful form as seen with creatures like Altaria or Seviper. This static nature means that what trainers capture is already Zangoose in its complete, fully-realized form. The Pokémon has also never received a Mega Evolution form despite the mechanic's introduction in Generation VI, remaining unchanged through all subsequent generational refinements and mechanical updates. This lack of evolution may reflect Zangoose's role as a standalone predator, requiring no transformation to achieve its full potential as a fierce combatant.
Where to Find
hoenn route 114
hoenn
+1 more
sinnoh route 210
sinnoh
+3 more
sinnoh route 208
sinnoh
+3 more
village bridge
unova
+21 more
unova route 11
unova
+5 more
unova route 7
unova
+1 more
kalos route 8
kalos
Zangoose Behaviour and Natural Habitat
Zangoose inhabits grasslands and savanna regions where it can freely roam and hunt with considerable agility. The Pokémon is naturally hot-blooded and brave, readily engaging in combat with fearless determination. Its incredible agility allows it to deftly dodge incoming attacks with remarkable precision, making it a difficult target for opponents. When it does engage offensively, Zangoose relies primarily on its sharp claws to tear apart its foes, delivering devastating strikes from its forepaws. Despite its aggressive combat nature and legendary rivalry with Seviper, Zangoose has been documented engaging in surprisingly peaceful activities, such as contentedly listening to the sound of ocean waves—a curious contrast to its battle-hardened reputation. The Pokédex suggests that Zangoose's entire existence is shaped by its centuries-long feud with Seviper. Memories of their battles are described as being etched into every cell of Zangoose's body, forming an inextricable part of its biological and psychological makeup. This rivalry transcends simple territorial disputes or predator-prey dynamics; rather, it appears to be a deeply ingrained aspect of both species' identities. The enmity dates back over multiple generations, with no clear origin point, suggesting an ancient and possibly instinctual hatred between the two species that persists regardless of individual encounters or circumstances.
Pokedex Entries
Generation III
Memories of battling its arch-rival SEVIPER are etched into every cell of ZANGOOSE’s body. This POKéMON adroitly dodges attacks with incredible agility.
ZANGOOSE usually stays on all fours, but when angered, it gets up on its hind legs and extends its claws. This POKéMON shares a bitter rivalry with SEVIPER that dates back over generations.
When it battles, it stands on its hind legs and attacks with its sharply clawed forelegs. Its fur bristles if it encounters any SEVIPER.
If it comes across a SEVIPER, its fur bristles and it assumes its battle pose. Its sharp claws are its best weapon.
Generation IV
It has feuded with SEVIPER for many generations. Its sharp claws are its biggest weapons.
Its fur would all stand on end if it smelled a SEVIPER nearby. Its sharp claws tear up its foes.
Generation V
It has feuded with Seviper for many generations. Its sharp claws are its biggest weapons.
It’s Seviper’s archrival. To threaten those it encounters, it fans out the claws on its front paws.
Generation VI
It has feuded with Seviper for many generations. Its sharp claws are its biggest weapons.
Its fur would all stand on end if it smelled a Seviper nearby. Its sharp claws tear up its foes.
Memories of battling its archrival Seviper are etched into every cell of Zangoose’s body. This Pokémon adroitly dodges attacks with incredible agility.
Zangoose usually stays on all fours, but when angered, it gets up on its hind legs and extends its claws. This Pokémon shares a bitter rivalry with Seviper that dates back over generations.
Zangoose Name Origin & Design Inspiration
The name Zangoose is a straightforward portmanteau combining "Zangoose" with characteristics from both mongooses and geese, though the goose component is somewhat obscure in the creature's final design. In its original Japanese naming, Zangoose (ザングース) maintains the same phonetic structure, emphasizing the mongoose aspect of the creature's identity. The design itself draws heavily from the mongoose, an animal renowned for its agility, speed, and legendary ability to combat venomous snakes—a trait directly reflected in Zangoose's eternal rivalry with the serpentine Seviper. The inclusion of feline features, such as the cat-like face, rounded ears, and overall body proportions, adds domesticity and familiarity to an otherwise wild predator aesthetic. The visual design emphasizes scarring and battle-hardened features, with the red markings across Zangoose's body resembling wounds or scars accumulated through generations of conflict. This artistic choice reinforces the Pokédex's claims about the creature's legendary rivalry with Seviper, making the Pokémon appear as a seasoned warrior. The choice to make Zangoose predominantly white with bold red accents creates strong visual contrast and ensures the species is immediately recognizable. The signature black claws, pink eyes, and fluffy tail complete a design that feels both dangerous and somewhat endearing, balancing Zangoose's fierce combat capabilities with an appearance that remains approachable to trainers.
Learnable Moves
Zangoose can learn 99 moves:
Move | Type | Cat. | Power | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| aerial ace | flying | Physical | 60 | — | 20 |
| agility | psychic | Status | — | — | 30 |
| attract | normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| baton pass | normal | Status | — | — | 40 |
| belly drum | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| blizzard | ice | Special | 110 | 70 | 5 |
| body slam | normal | Physical | 85 | 100 | 15 |
| brick break | fighting | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| captivate | normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| counter | fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| crush claw | normal | Physical | 75 | 95 | 10 |
| curse | ghost | Status | — | — | 10 |
| defense curl | normal | Status | — | — | 40 |
| detect | fighting | Status | — | — | 5 |
| dig | ground | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| disable | normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| double kick | fighting | Physical | 30 | 100 | 30 |
| double team | normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| double edge | normal | Physical | 120 | 100 | 15 |
| dynamic punch | fighting | Physical | 100 | 50 | 5 |
| endeavor | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 5 |
| endure | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| facade | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| false swipe | normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 40 |
| final gambit | fighting | Special | — | 100 | 5 |
| fire blast | fire | Special | 110 | 85 | 5 |
| fire punch | fire | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| flail | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 15 |
| flamethrower | fire | Special | 90 | 100 | 15 |
| focus blast | fighting | Special | 120 | 70 | 5 |
| focus punch | fighting | Physical | 150 | 100 | 20 |
| frustration | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| fury cutter | bug | Physical | 40 | 95 | 20 |
| fury swipes | normal | Physical | 18 | 80 | 15 |
| giga drain | grass | Special | 75 | 100 | 10 |
| giga impact | normal | Physical | 150 | 90 | 5 |
| gunk shot | poison | Physical | 120 | 80 | 5 |
| headbutt | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 15 |
| helping hand | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| hidden power | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| hyper beam | normal | Special | 150 | 90 | 5 |
| ice beam | ice | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| ice punch | ice | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| icy wind | ice | Special | 55 | 95 | 15 |
| incinerate | fire | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| iron tail | steel | Physical | 100 | 75 | 15 |
| knock off | dark | Physical | 65 | 100 | 20 |
| leer | normal | Status | — | 100 | 30 |
| low kick | fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| mega kick | normal | Physical | 120 | 75 | 5 |
| mega punch | normal | Physical | 80 | 85 | 20 |
| metal claw | steel | Physical | 50 | 95 | 35 |
| mimic | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| mud slap | ground | Special | 20 | 100 | 10 |
| night slash | dark | Physical | 70 | 100 | 15 |
| protect | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| pursuit | dark | Physical | 40 | 100 | 20 |
| quick attack | normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 30 |
| rain dance | water | Status | — | — | 5 |
| razor wind | normal | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| rest | psychic | Status | — | — | 5 |
| retaliate | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 5 |
| return | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| revenge | fighting | Physical | 60 | 100 | 10 |
| reversal | fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 15 |
| roar | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| rock climb | normal | Physical | 90 | 85 | 20 |
| rock slide | rock | Physical | 75 | 90 | 10 |
| rock smash | fighting | Physical | 40 | 100 | 15 |
| rock tomb | rock | Physical | 60 | 95 | 15 |
| rollout | rock | Physical | 30 | 90 | 20 |
| scratch | normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 35 |
| secret power | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| seed bomb | grass | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| seismic toss | fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| shadow ball | ghost | Special | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| shadow claw | ghost | Physical | 70 | 100 | 15 |
| shock wave | electric | Special | 60 | — | 20 |
| slash | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| snore | normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 15 |
| solar beam | grass | Special | 120 | 100 | 10 |
| strength | normal | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| substitute | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| sunny day | fire | Status | — | — | 5 |
| surf | water | Special | 90 | 100 | 15 |
| swagger | normal | Status | — | 85 | 15 |
| swift | normal | Special | 60 | — | 20 |
| switcheroo | dark | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| swords dance | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| take down | normal | Physical | 90 | 85 | 20 |
| taunt | dark | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| thief | dark | Physical | 60 | 100 | 25 |
| thunder | electric | Special | 110 | 70 | 10 |
| thunder punch | electric | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| thunder wave | electric | Status | — | 90 | 20 |
| thunderbolt | electric | Special | 90 | 100 | 15 |
| toxic | poison | Status | — | 90 | 10 |
| x scissor | bug | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| zen headbutt | psychic | Physical | 80 | 90 | 15 |
Zangoose Competitive Battle Guide
Zangoose occupies a specialized niche in competitive Pokémon play, leveraging a base Attack stat of 115 to deliver significant physical damage despite overall modest statistics totaling just 458. The Pokémon's Speed stat of 90 allows it to outpace many opponents, enabling it to strike first in critical situations. Its defining characteristic is access to Toxic Boost, a hidden ability that increases Attack to 1.5x multiplier when Zangoose is poisoned, transforming a typically detrimental status condition into a combat advantage. This ability synergizes exceptionally well with moves like Swords Dance and Bullet Punch, allowing Zangoose to function as a potent sweeper capable of eliminating opponents before they can respond. Standard ability Immunity proves valuable for preventing opposing Pokémon from poisoning Zangoose unnecessarily, maintaining the creature's full defensive integrity. Zangoose learns a solid movepool centered primarily on physical attacks, including its former signature move Crush Claw—a move capable of reducing opponent defense by one stage while dealing respectable damage. The Pokémon can learn coverage moves through TM and breeding, allowing trainers to customize its moveset for specific metagames. However, Zangoose's relatively low defensive stats (60 base Defense and Special Defense) make it vulnerable to both physical and special attacks, requiring strategic team support and careful play. Its middling Special Attack of 60 means Zangoose is purely a physical attacker, unable to exploit special-based coverage options. While Zangoose rarely appears in high-level competitive environments, dedicated trainers have found success using it in lower tiers and casual formats, particularly when exploiting the Toxic Boost combination with creative team building.
Commonly Asked Questions About Zangoose
What type is Zangoose?
Zangoose is a normal type Pokemon.
What does Zangoose evolve from?
Zangoose does not evolve.
What are Zangoose's weaknesses?
Zangoose is weak to fighting type moves.
Where can I find Zangoose?
Zangoose can be found in hoenn route 114 (hoenn), sinnoh route 210 (sinnoh) and sinnoh route 208 (sinnoh) and 4 other locations.
Zangoose Cultural Impact & Franchise History
Zangoose has achieved moderate cultural significance within the Pokémon franchise, primarily through its position as Seviper's eternal rival, a dynamic that Game Freak has consistently highlighted across multiple generations and media formats. The mongoose-versus-snake rivalry taps into archetypal animal conflict recognized across human cultures, giving the Zangoose-Seviper pairing an intuitive narrative appeal. In the anime and various Pokémon media, this rivalry has been depicted through numerous encounters and confrontations, reinforcing Zangoose's identity as a fearless combatant unwilling to back down from conflict. The Pokémon has appeared in various side games, trading card game expansions, and animated adaptations, though it has never achieved the mainstream popularity of franchise staples like Pikachu or Charizard. Zangoose's design has influenced how Game Freak approaches animal-based Pokémon, demonstrating how hybrid designs combining features from multiple real-world creatures can create unique and memorable entities. The species is notably the only Pokémon capable of possessing the Toxic Boost ability, making it mechanically unique and ensuring it maintains some relevance in competitive discussions despite lacking Mega Evolution or other modern power-ups. Among dedicated Pokémon fans, Zangoose maintains a modest but loyal following, with enthusiasts appreciating its scrappy underdog status and distinctive design aesthetic. The creature represents a particular era of Pokémon design philosophy from Generation III, when Game Freak was still establishing the franchise's foundational mechanics and experimenting with diverse creature concepts.
Where to Find Zangoose in Every Pokémon Game
Zangoose was originally introduced in Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire with a local Pokédex number of 0123, making it accessible to players early in their Hoenn adventure. The species has subsequently appeared in numerous games across multiple generations, though its availability varies significantly between versions and regions. In Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald, Zangoose appears in Route 114 and other grassy areas, offering players relatively straightforward access to the species. Later remakes including Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire continued this tradition, placing Zangoose in accessible locations for contemporary players. Zangoose's availability extends to games beyond the core series, including appearances in Pokémon Mystery Dungeon and various spin-off titles. In Pokémon X and Y, Zangoose received a Coastal Kalos Pokédex number of 0005, again positioning it as an early-game encounter. More recently, Zangoose appears in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet with National Pokédex number 0217, though its exact availability in these titles depends on the version and presence in the Pokedex. The Pokémon's relatively high capture rate of 90 means that successfully catching wild Zangoose is generally straightforward for trainers equipped with even basic Poké Balls. Additionally, Zangoose is available through breeding if trainers possess a compatible parent Pokémon and wish to raise eggs rather than capture wild specimens, making the species consistently accessible across most Pokémon games where it appears.